United News of Bangladesh

Onion prices in the capital’s retail markets have remained almost unchanged for a week, still selling at Tk 110–115 per kg, while hilsa has become increasingly unaffordable, with prices rising by up to Tk 500 per kg in just seven days. A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in on Friday showed that although the price of a 5-kg sack of onions has fallen slightly—from Tk 520 to Tk 500–510—the decline has not yet reflected on retail sales. Vendors said the price is unlikely to come down until new-season onions arrive in the market. The stocks of old onions are nearly exhausted and supplies at wholesale hubs are limited. Shariful Haque, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda onion market, said a maund (40 kg) of onions costs between Tk 3,600 and Tk 4,000, keeping the wholesale per-kg rate close to Tk 100. Meanwhile, hilsa prices have soared significantly over the past week. Retail prices have jumped by Tk 500–600 per kg, depending on size. Govt may allow onion imports if prices remain high this week In Rampura market, 600–800g hilsa is selling for Tk 1,200–1,600, up from Tk 800–1,000 last week. One-kg fish now cost Tk 3,000–3,200, compared to Tk 2,200–2,500 earlier.  Hilsa weighing over one kg has shot up to Tk 4,500–4,800 per piece, from Tk 3,500–3,800 last week. Imon, a hilsa seller at Rampura market, said supply at the wholesale level has dropped sharply.  “We aren’t getting fish like before, which pushed up the prices,” he added. Buyers expressed frustration over the surge. “If a single hilsa costs more than Tk 5,000, how can people afford to buy it?” said shopper Sanzid Hossain. “Not just hilsa—every fish price has gone up.” Across markets, rui, katla, and kalibaush are selling for Tk 380–450 per kg; shol for Tk 800–1,500 depending on size; poa for Tk 600–1,000; shing and magur for Tk 600–800; and tilapia for Tk 300–350. Vegetable prices have also increased, particularly for newly arrived winter produce.  Onion prices skyrocket in Dhaka; from Tk 70 to Tk 120 per kg Tomatoes are selling for Tk 120–150 per kg, cucumbers for Tk 80–120, and carrots for Tk 120–160. Eggplant costs Tk 100–120 per kg, barbatti Tk 80–120, and pointed gourd Tk 60–80. The prices of most vegetables have risen by Tk 20–50 per kg. Lemon supply has declined, with a large-sized set of four selling for Tk 50. Green chili prices have also surged from Tk 120–140 per kg last week to Tk 160–190 this week. Wholesalers said fewer trucks entered the markets on Thursday, disrupting supply chains and causing an immediate price spike in Friday’s market.

A massive fire that broke out at a kitchen market in Chandna Chowrasta of Gazipur city early Thursday was brought under control after about an hour of efforts. The fire broke out around 6:15 am at the Chowrasta grocery market, quickly spreading to nearby shops and structures, according to witnesses and fire service officials. Upon receiving the information, three units from Chandna Chowrasta Modern Fire Service rushed to the spot. They were later joined by two more units from Gazipur as the flames intensified, said Mohammad Mamun, Deputy Assistant Director of Gazipur Fire Service and Civil Defence. Fire at Siddheswari High School Jame Mosque doused Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control around 7:20 am after frantic efforts, he added. Many kitchen and grocery shops were gutted, leaving owners deeply concerned over their losses, according to the fire service official. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damages will be known following an investigation, he said.

With two days left for Eid-ul-Fitr, the holiday makers are leaving Dhaka for their ancestral homes to celebrate the festival with families. Despite this, the prices of chicken, beef, vegetables, and milk have increased in the kitchen market of the capital. Visiting different kitchen markets on Friday, the UNB correspondent found that prices of all types of chicken and beef have increased ahead of Eid. The traders said that the price of chicken has increased by Tk 15 to 20 per kg compared with last week. The price may be increased again the day before Eid, as the supply line is slightly disrupted due to the Eid holidays. Though the number of consumers is thin in the kitchen market compared with regular time, but the prices of vegetables increased by Tk 20 to 50 per kg, claiming a supply shortage ahead of Eid. On Friday (March 28), this information was obtained by visiting several markets in the capital, including Rampura-Banasree, and talking to buyers and sellers. Chicken Price: Visits to Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, and Rampura kitchen markets revealed that broiler chicken is being sold in the market for Tk 215 to 220 per kg, which was Tk 190 to 200 per kg even in the middle of Ramadan. Sonali chicken is being sold in the market for Tk 320-350 per kg based on quality, compared to Tk 270-280 per kg a week ago. Layers (red) chicken also being sold at Tk 320 to 340 per kg. Eid exodus underway from capital In addition, white layers chicken are being sold for Tk 280 to 300 per kg, and each piece of duck is being sold for Tk 600-650 piece, depending on the size. The traders of the respected sector said that prices of chicken increased due to price hikes of chicken food and broiler chicks. Beef and Mutton Price: The beef prices increased slightly on Friday. The beef is being sold for Tk 800 per kg, which was sold for Tk 750 to a maximum of Tk 780 per kg a week ago. In addition, per kilogram of mutton is being sold for Tk 1,200 per kg and goat meat for Tk 1,100 per kg. Cucumber and Lemon price: The prices of cucumbers have suddenly jumped to Tk 100 per kg since last Tuesday from Tk 40 to 50 per kg. Traders said that the demand for cucumbers increased during Eid, but the supply is decreased due to the off season. The lemon prices decreased slightly, but were selling at Tk 40 to 80 per hali (4 pieces) in the Karwan Bazar on Friday. The traders have also said that lemon price was higher in Ramadan for a short supply due to the off-season. However, the prices of lemons decreased slightly ahead of Eid, they said. Vegetable prices: The prices of almost all vegetables increased, claiming a short supply in the capital due to the Eid holidays. However, newly arrived seasonal vegetables like drumsticks, string beans, and bitter gourd, okra were selling between Tk 80 to 140 per kg based on quality. Vegetables like brinjal and others were selling between Tk 100 to 120 per kg, bottle gourd, ash gourd, and cauliflower at Tk 40 to 70 per piece. Onion is selling between Tk 30 to 50 per kg, garlic Tk 160 per kg local variety, while imported garlic was selling at Tk 240 per kg and ginger at Tk 120 to 160 per kg based on quality. Eggs were selling in previous rates. A dozen brown eggs were selling at Tk 120 to 130 while it was Tk 145 to 150 in the previous year, egg duck at Tk 70 per hali (four pieces), and egg of home-rearing hens sold at Tk 80 per hali (four pieces). Milk Price: The price of Milk Vita liquid milk has increased before Eid. Last week, the price of Milk Vita was increased by Tk 10 per liter. The price of powdered milk has also increased in some retail stores. Apart from this, the prices of vermicelli (semai), noodles, polaw rice, aromatic rice, sugar, and molasses is known as Eid products, have remained stable at the previous prices. More than 17 million Eid holidaymakers expected to depart Greater Dhaka The liquid milk of various brands is being sold at TK 100 per liter. The latest increase in the price of liquid milk was made on March 21 by the state-owned milk producer Cooperative Union Limited (Milk Vita). The price of a half-liter packet of milk has been increased from Tk 50 to 55, and the price of a 1-liter packet of milk has increased from Tk 90 to 100. Earlier, in November last year, Aarong and Pran had similarly increased the price of their liquid milk to Tk 100 per liter. On the other hand, per kg of powdered milk is currently being sold in the market at Tk 820 to 860. For example, per kg of Diploma milk is now being sold in the market at Tk 860, Fresh milk at Tk 810-820 and Starship at Tk 650. Traders said, the companies had increased the price of powdered milk at the retail level by about Tk 30 per kg two months ago. Almost all companies, including Diploma, Dano, Dano Daily Pusti, Fresh, Marks, and Starship, increased the price of powdered milk at that time. However, retailers said that companies did not increase the prices of powdered milk during Ramadan. The prices of fish were stable and selling at the previous price in Dhaka on Friday. The prices of other kitchen items remained unchanged ahead of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

The prices of rice, fresh fruits, lemon, chicken, meat and fish have surged in Dhaka ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, while those of chickpeas, pulses, dates, puffed rice (muri), onion, garlic and various vegetables have declined. On Thursday, kitchen markets across the capital witnessed a heavy influx of shoppers, reflecting the usual pre-Ramadan demand surge. Many consumers expressed frustration over the rising prices of essential commodities, particularly fish and meat. Ramadan 2025: Five tips for mental and emotional well-being while fasting A visit to key kitchen markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura and Banasree, revealed price variations depending on location. Consumers noted that while some Ramadan essentials have remained stable, the prices of daily consumption items have increased despite government measures such as tax and VAT reductions. The price of fine-quality miniket rice has risen by Tk3 to 4 per kg this week, while coarse rice has increased by Tk2 to 3 per kg. Premium-quality miniket rice is being sold at Tk86 to 90 per kg at the retail level, while coarse rice is available for Tk58 to 65 per kg. Chickpea prices have declined by Tk10 to 15 per kg, now selling at Tk100 to 110 per kg, depending on quality. Different types of pulses, including lentils, peas and Mung beans, are priced between Tk95 and 150 per kg. The price of edible oil remains stable, though traders report a short supply of bottled soybean oil. Loose palm oil is selling at Tk160 per kg, while bottled soybean oil is priced at Tk170 per litre. The prices of popular Ramadan beverages and dairy items have increased. Tang (powdered drink) and Ruh Afza (flavoured syrup) have risen by Tk60 to 100 per kg/litre compared to last year. Tang is now priced at Tk780 per kg, Ruh Afza at Tk575 per litre, and powdered milk at Tk860 per kg and lemons (four pieces) priced at Tk60 to Tk120. Fresh fruit prices have also seen an uptrend, rising by Tk30 to 80 per kg. Oranges are selling at Tk330 to 380 per kg, Malta at Tk280 to 300 per kg, green apples at Tk420 per kg, and China Fuji apples at Tk330 to 380 per kg. Pomegranates (dalim) range from Tk450 to 560 per kg, white pears (naspati) from Tk330 to 360 per kg, green pears at Tk430 to 500 per kg, and red and black grapes at Tk550 to 600 per kg. Bangladesh Bank sets new time for funds transfer and cheque clearing during Ramadan Dates are being sold at Karwanbazar for Tk400 to 1600 per kg, depending on quality and brand. However, prices have dropped by Tk60 to 200 per kg ahead of Ramadan. Traders claim that the government is levying Tk136 in taxes on every Tk100 worth of imported fruit, preventing them from reducing prices. As a result, domestic fruit prices have also increased. Thai papaya is selling at Tk150 per kg, guava at Tk90 to 120 per kg, bananas at Tk80 to 120 per dozen, and green coconuts (daab) at Tk100 to 160 per piece. Bangladeshi traders import 38 types of fruit from 22 countries worldwide. Of these, 95% are apples, malta, oranges, grapes, and pineapples. The remaining 5% include pears, Kinnow, Kadbel, avocados, Rambutan and kiwis. According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs duties were increased in two phases for FY2024-25. The first phase raised duties to 118.80%, while the second round increased them further to 136.20%. This means importers now pay customs duties on every Tk 100 worth of fruit. Chicken prices have risen slightly ahead of Ramadan. Sonali and broiler chicken are now selling at Tk300 and Tk220 per kg, up from Tk290 and Tk190 per kg, respectively. Mutton prices have increased by Tk100 per kg, now selling at Tk1200 per kg in Karwanbazar. Meanwhile, beef and other meats remain stable, selling at Tk730 to 780 per kg, depending on quality. DSE announces new trading hours for Ramadan The demand for river fish has increased, with prices ranging from Tk400 to 1200 per kg, depending on size. Glulam Rahman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), attributed the price hikes to inadequate market monitoring. “The price of some items has increased despite official data showing high import volumes of essential goods. Authorities must ensure that price hikes are justified. If irregularities are found, dishonest traders should be held accountable to relieve consumers,” said the CAB president.

Traders at the Jatrabari wholesale kitchen market are running business directly on the highway, narrowing a vital thoroughfare and creating significant challenges for pedestrians and vehicles. A visit to the area by the UNB correspondent reveals a chaotic scene where vehicles transporting vegetables frequently load and unload on the road from midnight onwards. Private cars remain parked on much of the highway throughout the day, aggravating the congestion. In the afternoons, a makeshift wholesale kitchen market operates on the road, blatantly violating traffic regulations. Vegetables and fish are sold here, further contributing to disorder and disruption. For the traders, occupying the road seems to have become the norm. “We operate our businesses with proper permissions. Customers appreciate the convenience of finding us on the roadside and enjoy wholesale rates on essential items,” claimed Rahim, a vegetable trader. Circular Waterway Project around Dhaka fades amid neglect, poor planning But these practices have led to severe traffic problems. Wholesalers distribute goods to other parts of the country from this road, causing consistent gridlock. One wholesaler dismissed concerns, advising reporters to focus on other matters and claiming no complaints had been received about their operations. Regular commuters, however, paint a different picture. Abu Bakr, a private job holder who travels through the area daily, described the experience as “hellish,” particularly during the summer. “Police and the administration witness this chaos every day but remain completely indifferent,” he said. Veteran driver Abdul Halim, who has navigated the Dhaka-Comilla route for over two decades, shared his frustration. “Crossing just half a kilometre in the Jatrabari kitchen market area can take more than 30 minutes due to the mismanagement. Both sides of the road are problematic,” he said. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dhaka South City Corporation Mizanur Rahman told UNB that they have taken all measures to hand over the shops to the traders as soon as possible. " We have already discussed the issues in our recent meeting. It will be solved immediately to bring the discipline in the kitchen market," he said. The Jatrabari wholesale kitchen market was one of three such facilities built by Dhaka City Corporation to relocate traders from Karwan Bazar. Completed in 2015, the four-storey market on five bighas of land was designed to accommodate 895 shops. BB drafting separate rules for Islamic banking; ‘bankers divided’ But the facility remains largely unused. Traders operating in open spaces have refused to move into the market, citing difficulties in conducting their business from within the building. The abandoned structure has since become a hotspot for drug addicts. The third and fourth floors lie vacant, and parts of the second floor are being used as a garage for rickshaw vans. In the middle of the building, darkness prevails even during daylight hours. Many shop shutters have been stolen, and some units are filled with waste from the fish market. Dhaka’s two city corporations have officially approved 64 kitchen markets across the capital, but countless unauthorised markets continue to spring up, particularly at major intersections. These illegal establishments are often backed by influential local groups. Traders at such markets argue they pay rent comparable to legal markets but remain silent about who receives these payments. Critics point out that much of Bangladesh’s marketing sphere, including kitchen markets, is controlled by powerful financial syndicates. Even in regulated markets, government-imposed pricing is frequently ignored. Customers’ lack of awareness and indifference often make enforcement ineffective, leaving buyers at the mercy of fluctuating prices.

A shop owner in the capital's Banani kitchen market was fined Tk 7,000 on Thursday for not displaying the price lists and storing expired goods. The fine was imposed during a market monitoring drive led by Deputy Secretary Sultana Akhter, aiming to stabilize the prices of essential commodities, according to a release of Press Information Department. Govt permits import of 40.5 million eggs to stabilise market The team reviewed prices for rice, lentils, eggs, flour, green chilies, vegetables, fish, and chicken. According to the release, traders were warned for not displaying, updating, or maintaining accurate price lists. In a separate drive at Hazaribagh tannery market, led by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain, authorities checked the prices of eggs, onions, green chilies, chicken, rice, and other essentials. Businesses were urged to ensure accurate and updated price lists were clearly displayed.

The government has directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to close shopping malls and kitchen markets by 8 pm to save electricity and energy in the current climate of continuous rise in global energy price hikes. A letter, signed by Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui, director-general of the Prime Minister's Office (Administration) on Thursday, said that the Premier has instructed to take necessary steps to ensure that shops, shopping malls, kitchen markets, etc. are not kept open after 8 pm with the provisions of Section 114 of Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006. The Prime Minister's Office has sent a letter to the concerned to ensure proper implementation of this directive. Also read: Hasina cancels PMO’s vehicle procurement plan, diverts fund to public healthcare

A fire swept through a kitchen market on Saturday morning gutting 30 shops in Vatiari union of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram. The locals called Kumira Fire Service and Naval Fire Service immediately after the fire broke out around 7am at Uttar Bazar area. Also read: Fire guts 70 shops in Patuakhali New Market Station Officer of Kumira Fire service said a total of 30 small and big shops were destroyed before the blaze was brought under control. “The actual amount of losses or the origin of the fire couldn’t be known immediately. An investigation is underway,” he said. However, the local traders claimed they incurred losses of around Tk 50 lakh. Also read: Slum in Chattogram city catches fire

A woman has alleged that she was kidnapped and raped by three men in the capital's Pallabi area last week. However, police are yet to lodge an FIR in connection with the complaint. The alleged crime occurred around 5pm on Tuesday, when the woman was passing through the Mirpur-11 kitchen market area. According to the woman, a resident of Mirpur, two men sprayed some liquid on her face and forcibly took her to a nearby house, where another man joined them. READ: 31-yr-old raped by three in Sylhet Later, the trio took turns to rape her. After the alleged crime, the three had threatened to kill the woman if she revealed her ordeal to anyone. Initially the woman chose not to tell her family members about the rape due to the fear and stigma surrounding sexual violence in the society. Later she confided in her husband. When contacted, the officer-in-charge of the Pallabi police station, Parvez Hossain, told UNB that the woman had come to the police station late on Tuesday evening.  "At the time, she told that she was kidnapped by two men, but didn't mention about the rape. On Friday, she visited the police station again and alleged that she was raped too," the OC said. READ: Rape attempt on Pori Moni: Boat Club expels Nasir from EC When asked why no FIR has been lodged yet, the officer responded: "We are probing the complaint." Bangladesh's rape epidemic Sexual assaults on women continue unabated in Bangladesh, despite the government introducing death penalty for rapes last year. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said that 26,695 rape cases were filed across the country in the past five years. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases had been filed. Also, 116 survivors were six years old or below. Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the women were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, as per the data. However, ASK's data is just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. In October 2020, the country was rocked by protests after a woman was allegedly attacked and raped in Noakhali. READ: Chargesheet filed against 2 leaders of quota movement in DU student's rape case; Nur exempted In November last year, Bangladesh introduced capital punishment for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across the country. But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, as the survivors of the heinous crime are often stigmatised in the society.

The prices of different essentials including vegetables jumped sharply in the capital as supply chains have been disrupted due to heavy rain and recent flood across the country.